Calvary Chapel South Bay

I liked the worship band and how there is a book store & café inside. We had a newborn, so we stayed at the overflow room. The sound was too loud there. The sermon was choppy. no flow to it. It wasn’t my style, but everyone was friendly.

I felt the need to go to church; however I don’t have a home church yet and being that I’ve driven by this church for years, I decided to stop by this past weekend.
What a beautiful service!!! I always enjoyed listening to Pastor Steve Mays on the radio but I truly enjoyed the new pastors preaching as well.
Most importantly, I loved the reverence of this church! I could actually listen to the sermon w/​out babies crying, kids playing w/​toys during service and people walking around. This church is blessed enough to offer care for your kids and teenagers Note: I am a mother, therefore I don’t think I’m being unfair to parents. Everything has a time and place.
Thank you for still maintaining some of those old-​school traditions that have been mostly lost. I will be going back!

Best place to be ! No place I’d rather be. coming to service here is a blessing every single time the worship pastor is awesome. .and the senior pastor is as well. Everyone is friendly and happy to be there I recommend you go and see for yourself.. They have child care and bible classes for the kids to. my kids are 5 and 6 and have learned so much

I called to see if this church was LGBT friendly and the man who answered said he «didn’t know what that meant.» Once I explained he seemed offended and said, «no we believe the word of the bible here.» I’ve definitely come across places that handle this question with more grace, tact and less judgement.

I am looking for a new home church as I now live in Gardena so I decided to try this church first off its way to big if your not looking to get personal with a church then this could be a great church for you I like big but not huge to where it is impossible to get on a personal level also I felt I was entering some sort of t. v show taping where there is security that leads you in and seats you something im not used to for a church setting while the Pastor and his Sermon was very good what made me not want to come back to this church is the way the security treated me I feel as if I was discriminated against I like to sit up in the front i am pregnent I had to get up 3 times to used the restroom when i came back from the r. r the security told me I’d have to sir in the back I told him my things were in the front row he said «can u sit here just until the pastor prays» well he lied the pastor never prayed and wasn’t going to until the end of the service aBout 5 minutes later I said «look can I get my things so I can go this place felt more like a show then a church and the security are rude and not welcoming I wont be going back here

RIP pastor steve

Lost in the huge crowd of people. There is a general disconnect in this church, and it is very obvious. People file in, do their thing, and leave. I never got the feeling of being connected, even in women’s bible study and small groups. I have sat alone over and over in the main sanctuary and when people in the pews introduce themselves they never say their names, but it is very characteristic to just shake your hand and smile. I have sat and cried through worship services and no one seems to care or notice, I guess no one really is paying attention to the sheep. Since the senior pastor died they keep bringing in other pastors from sister churches to speak. One of them was offensive to me and did not teach the word of God well at all. He made a lot of jokes, told many anecdotes, even made a gay joke which left me with my jaw dropped but most of the church laughed probably out of sheer embarrassment, but the guy just skimmed very quickly over the Bible verses. I did not feel spiritually fed.
*** Plus for a reason that was not explained to me, I was not allowed to read from my NIV Bible during a Bible study. I was just skipped over by the group leader when I told her what version I had. I guess this church does not think NIV is the authentic word of God. I have heard that the newer NIV version changes certain pronouns from he/​she to «they,» to include both sexes. Mine is the older version, so it would have been nice for her to ask. PLUS they don’t allow drinks in the sanctuary, be forewarned they will treat you like a child and tell you to throw your starbucks away, and they also will tell you when to sit and stand during worship songs, and don’t stand up like this one lady did so the ushers come running up to you and tell you to sit down, only to ask the audience to stand minutes later.

Since this is my 101^th review, I just wanted to write about a place I’ve been frequenting for the past 3 months that is very meaningful to me.
When I first came to Calvary Chapel South Bay, my brother in law and my sister invited me out. I was already attending a small church in Carson, that I felt I connected with quite well, being that quite a few young Filipinos attended there. So it was a definite change for me considering how diverse Calvary South Bay is. I’ve been to Cottonwood in Los Alamitos and even attended their Bible school, but Calvary just felt more like home to me. It surprised me that Calvary Chapel South Bay had such a homegrown vibe about it considering it’s size and massive attendance.
The first night I went it was the men’s ministry on Tuesday evening. Everyone just felt so welcoming. They break you into smaller meetings and there is a definite context of care for the struggles we go through not only emotionally but spiritually. Paul our discussion group leader is a very humble guy who not only cares if we understand the teachings of the Bible but cares enough to listen to the things we go through on the daily.
I also started going to Sunday service with the late Pastor Steve Mays. I was blessed enough to hear him speak before he passed away. His messages were just so easy to understand and he took it to the next level by relating it to his own life. It ultimately just made sense to me. Even though I was raised in private Catholic School from elementary to High School and I was active in several Catholic adult ministries through out Southern California. I knew there was something more to this «faith» thing.
There are many different aspects of this Church that make it a great place to find out where your heart lies, but it’s ultimately up to you to simply as the question, What are you really looking for? There are many different people who come here to find the answer. If you dig deep enough you’ll find it and those people here who are in the same boat will help you along the way. That is what I like most about what they teach here; because God can take you anywhere He wants to, but it is only through Christ you can find your way home.

I’ve attended Calvary Chapel South Bay for 22 years. It’s been an awesome venture. Pastor Steve continues to allow the Lord to use him, even with the many health issues he’s had over the years. Thru those difficult times not only has he grown in his walk, but those of us walking along side at the church have grown as well. I’m so thankful to Pastor Steve and his wife, Gail, for their sacrifices and dedication to God and the church. Thank you so much!

Dear Dale D. and Stacy A. and other one star rating.
(this is a long comment, but it covers many church subjects that new people are concerned with)
You will never find the «PERFECT Church» that satisfies your every desire. Period. I’ve been a follower of Christ for 33 years and attended many churches over the years. Even the church I currently attend has flaws and un-​Christian behavior by attendees that would cause many people to walk away in anger. But through it all, Christ has used my church setting to teach me to «keep my eyes on Jesus Christ», that is, keep looking up and not at eye level. Again, it is necessary to remind everyone that you will NEVER find the perfect church. Be in prayer about all aspects when searching for a church home. But THEE most important issue always is «Does the teaching come straight and only from the Bible?»
107.9 KWVE has Bible teaching almost ²⁴⁄₇. If you don’t already tune in, do. You will get many different pastor personalities all in agreement with teaching the Bible literally. As you learn about the Bible and who Christ is, your heart will begin to soften and you will have a new requirements for the church you are looking for. You will also see that every Bible teaching, Christ-​trusting church is different and yet the same. I’m going to say it again: Overlook the issues that arouse anger and frustration at your first visit, BECAUSE THAT IS OF SATAN! He does not want you to go to church, right? He will make you angry enough so you don’t return.
Does that church teach the Bible literally! Are they teaching Jesus? Are they teaching your children about Jesus? How do YOUR children like the Sunday school? And that is where your children are meant to be, not in big people church. They will enjoy Sunday School much more than being forced to sit still and quietly in adult church. The children’s church teachers LOVE kids and your kids are free to be themselves.
According to statistics, only 8% of a the church attenders today are ACTUALLY Jesus followers — born again Christians sitting next to you in the congregation. That’s VERY hard to believe! Until you get to know the other 92%. That is the reason we good-​willed, real Christians will be attacked on Bible issues and our REAL Christian behavior. They carry big Bibles, they act/​pretend wonderfully on Sundays. They raise their hands and sing loudly, and say «Praise the Lord». But if you knew their family life, you’d gag! Always keep this is in mind when dealing with «church people» and you decrease your chances of being hurt by hypocrites. They can be more mean and nasty than atheists I know.
The Bible says not to forsake the assembling together with the body of Christ. We need each other. If you are a dedicated Christ-​follower, they need YOU! Paul wrote the Corinthian letters to those hypocrites. He didn’t tell the true believers to get out of that church in a hurry. That’s why I say, keep looking up at Jesus Christ and pray for those hypocrites. There is not a church today, as in Paul’s day, that is without them.
Some people look for a church, because of denomination, or others look for their list of requirements. I’m going to type this in all caps: SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD (seek Jesus in the church) AND ALL THESE THINGS (all your requirements) WILL BE ADDED UNTO YOU. This is the only criteria your new church should meet.
About BIG churches: Can you imagine a sports stadium without rules? These churches are dealing with CROWDS. They MUST have a way of keeping order and peace. Have you ever attended a church service with children acting up the entire message? It’s very rude on the parents part WHEN the church has provided an appropriate, safe environment for their little ones. When my grandson visits and we (always) take him to our BIG church, I miss him when he is in Sunday School — yes I do. BUT, please listen to this — he is learning about Jesus on a child’s level and so I put my «feelings» aside because it is more important for me to miss him for an hour so that he can learn about Christ.
Some big churches set aside rows in the very back for families esp., mom’s with infants. It keeps the distractions down. If you are going to a new church by yourself, it always helps to have someone go with you that attends that church, e.g. your friends that attend (when possible) It helps you feel relaxed.
Calvary Chapels are strictly Bible teaching churches with the mission statement that God is 3 separate persons, Jesus Christ died and arose for our sins and he is the only way. The Bible is literal and for EVERYONE. They have NO membership so that no one can say, membership is their ticket into heaven. If you see an issue that you can’t live with, speak to the pastor (usually after service) and he will be happy to hear about it. He is the only one to address your issue. He may not be aware of it.
Got to end here. Hope this helps.

So I was searching for a new church and decided to try calvary chapel… I enjoyed the service and thought I would keep trying. Anyway I recently called them and asked if they offered community service for teens and hey asked if it was court ordered and I said yes but also for senior year service hours but the lady kept harping on that it was court ordered and told me they didn’t offer that at their church. Only if it’s for school So then she puts me in hold and comes back asking if I knew any of the pastors and I said «not personally» and she asked if I go to that church and I said «I just started and I’m in the middle of changing churches» and I told her I’m coming from a Catholic Church and just trying something new. The lady said «we can’t help you. You should check around your area or call other Catholic Churches for help» I said «you are in my area. Right around the corner» and she had nothing to say but «we can’t help you» I said «so if I go over there and take his senior letter saying he needs service hours you can help him?» And she said «ya but we don’t do court orders, we can’t help you» so I just said «that’s interesting» thank you. Basically I’m annoyed because they are «Christians» right? I felt the only way they were going to help was if I knew the pastors and was a faithful parishioner there… Never again will I go there

God is good!
I enjoy Pastor’s Steve’s sermons. He is always so eloquent in preaching the Bible and explains each lesson in a way anyone would understand. I appreciate his openness and how he incorporates his stories and daily lessons. Being at Calvary makes one filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God… something that anyone can be proud of.
The music is always greats and makes me emotional each time.
Additionally, the church is BEAUTIFUL. Plenty of parking in the lot or on the street. All the workers are very welcoming and friendly.
I encourage anyone interested in coming to church for the first time or want to find a home church to visit Calvary Chapel South Bay, just once… you’ll fall in love, as I did!

This church is five minutes away from my house! I came by for the 6:30pm service, because the website for the 5:00pm service elsewhere I usually attend suddenly disappeared. (Suspicious) This visit marks the first time in 23 years. Cheers!
Parking: I thought I got lucky with parking in a normal slot after driving past two cars paralleling. Getting out was a different story — there were so many random people milling out from around cars I seriously feared I was going to hit somebody. The key, I think, is to get out of the parking lot as soon as service is over.
Worship: Pastor (country singer) has a country voice! I LOVE COUNTRY! I was teetering between joining in worship and just sitting there listening and tottering between applauding and holding onto my sensibilities. I joined in and withheld clapping. The songs are more contemporary because I could sing along to most of the Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, and so forth.
Service: Before the service started, the pastor had us to turn to those around us and say, «I’ll see you in Heaven!» which was really cute.
«If you need to get right with God, or feel you need to stop messing around, stand up. Those of you around them, set your hands on them and pray for them… This is why you came tonight — to get involved. Pray for them by the power of Jesus’s name and by the blood of Christ.» That gives you a little idea of what you’d be in for — A congregation that believes in prayer, going back to the bible often and including Jesus.
I can see the concerns listed by a few of the negative reviews as legitimate, but as a first time goer, I am interested in coming back again. I am having quite a time trying to figure out if this church is more Christian-​friendly or more evangelical. I decide this church is more for those who are already Christian.
See you next Sunday!

I choose never to write a bad review on a church, mainly because I feel that when people do that, the problem is usually with them and not the church. If it is the church, what is a review going to do? I prefer to leave it in the hands of God. Sure, there are problems in churches, in all churches for that matter and it will always be that way because not all churches are perfect because NO MAN is perfect. So in choosing a church, one should visit all kinds of churches in relation to size, their vision, mission statement, statement of faith, location (near home) etc, and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY that the Holy Spirit leads them to where He wants them.
CCSB is a large church. Understandably, this is not for everyone. The pro’s for me and my family are: more resources in ministry where you DO have the opportunity to connect with other members and form strong relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ, an AWESOME children’s ministry, great worship, in-​depth teaching from Pastor Steve, mid-​week services, dozens and dozens of opportunities to get involved (again, there are soooo many ministries to either join to get help or to help others), great fellowship, outreaches, mission opportunities, online access to church services (and archived services) if you are REALLY, REALLY sick and do not want to spread germs, multiple service times and the list continues.
As far as the con’s, they don’t bother me, but I’ve read other reviews saying the following: 1) Parking…(yes, there’s a lot of parking, but there are also a lot of people coming to church… Yay…so if you want close parking, get to church a few minutes early… if not, the walk is great!) 2) People complain it’s a big church — Again, this may not be for you. Can’t do anything about that. It may leave one to ponder «Why are so many people coming?» —Because the Word is good… the teaching is good.
Pastor Steve is a «teacher». He teaches the Word. As for me and my husband, it’s not just about going to church and leaving with a «Thank you Jesus, I’m good today» feeling. Feelings come and go. We really want to learn the Word and study it so that we truly understand it and can go back to it when we are feeling spiritually empty (which is daily, because we need Him all day long!) I thank God for giving Pastor Steve that gift of teaching and I am grateful to Pastor Steve for being obedient in teaching the Word.
We have formed many good friendships and bonds during our years here at CCSB. True, there are people that we have passed by and we recognize, but we really don’t know them, but I don’t think God calls you to be friends with EVERYONE… He just calls you to love them, and we do.
I